Stellar Musk

First Impressions & Dry Down

Stellar Musk kicks off with a hefty dose of grapefruit, but it's more like grapefruit rind – bitter and slightly pithy, not the juicy sweetness you might expect. The mandarin is a whisper, thankfully. The galbanum in the heart gives it a green, almost sappy quality, battling with the ambrette’s slightly powdery, musky vibe. It's a clash. The drydown is where it veers furthest from its inspiration. Instead of a refined amberwood, I get a harsh, synthetic wood accord mixed with a vinyl-like leather impression. Think new car interior, but the cheap kind.

Projection Power

I sprayed this on at 7 AM before heading to the office. By noon, it was a faint skin scent. Projection is moderate for the first hour, extending about an arm's length, but quickly settles down. I wore it again to the gym; it held up okay during a light workout, but the synthetic edge became more pronounced with sweat.

Is it Worth It?

Wearing Stellar Musk is like listening to a cover band play your favorite song. It hits some of the right notes, particularly in the opening, but the overall experience lacks the depth and smoothness of the original. You get a passable impression, but the lack of refinement is ultimately what separates it. If you just want a fleeting hint of that grapefruit-amberwood profile, this might work. But be prepared for a drydown that smells like an imitation, not an inspiration.